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Attachment B ELEGANT E V E N T C E N T E R Welcome to Elegant Event Center, where Elegance Meets Excellence: Your Premier Event Destination. Our Background: Rose and James Kukwa, immigrants from Cameroon now proud US citizens, arrived in the United States 13 and 22 years ago, respectively. Their journey to entrepreneurship stemmed from a profound encounter during a bitter winter in Minnesota, when a homeless individual sought refuge at their doorstep. While offering assistance is customary in Cameroon, caution prevailed, highlighting a cultural difference. Nonetheless, their compassionate response sparked a commitment to serve their newfound community. In 2013, they founded Opportunity Community Services to aid individuals with limited means, impacting over 5000 lives by providing housing assistance and fostering community connections. Additionally, their active involvement in event planning within the Cameroonian community unveiled a pressing need for a versatile event venue, catalyzing the inception of Elegant Event Center. Location and Plans: Situated at 3776 Connelly Ave in Arden Hills, Minnesota, the former Bingo Hall and Brightside Cafe premises offer an ideal setting. The property spans 11,976 square feet on 2.19 acres, boasting ample parking and a sprinkler system for safety. Plans for exterior modifications await city approval of Rose and James vision for Elegant Event Center. While the current owner has made some capital improvements to the current property, there is deferred maintenance. Our plan is to improve and restore both the building and the property so that it will enhance, not detract, from the surrounding area. Phased Development: Phase 1, slated until May 2024, focuses on establishing a dynamic event center accommodating various gatherings. Equipped with modern amenities and a capacity for 464 attendees, it ensures a secure environment with on -site security. Licensed catering services will complement events, adhering to alcohol serving regulations. Phase 2, commencing January 2025, entails converting part of the venue into Elegant Cafe, obtaining a liquor license for enhanced dining experiences. Phase 3, scheduled for June 2025, diversifies revenue by leasing space for an adult day care program, addressing community needs while ensuring financial stability. Operating Hours: Operating hours are tailored to suit community needs, ranging from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Thursday, and 8 am to 3 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with liquor service ending at 2 am. Benefits the project will bring to the community.